Luka Doncic returned to Dallas for the first time since his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, receiving a standing ovation from Mavericks fans as a video tribute played before tipoff. Wearing No. 77 in Lakers colors, Doncic sat alone on the bench during the tribute, visibly emotional as highlights from his time in Dallas—spanning his rookie year to last season’s Finals run—played on the screen. Fans in the sold-out arena wore shirts that read “Hvala za vse,” Slovenian for “thank you for everything.”

The night carried deep emotion for both Doncic and the crowd. Chants of “Fire Nico” broke out early, targeting Mavericks GM Nico Harrison, who traded Doncic in a February deal that brought Anthony Davis to Dallas. As Doncic put up 45 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in the Lakers’ 112–97 win, the chants intensified. The crowd cheered him again as he exited with under two minutes left in the game.

Doncic’s trade stunned the league. He had two years left on his contract, was coming off a scoring title, and had long been the face of the Mavericks. Fans protested in early February with mock funerals and homemade jerseys, some of which reappeared at this game with taped-over logos bearing sarcastic messages. Tickets soared over $200 on the secondary market, far above the price of the team’s upcoming home finale.

This wasn’t Doncic’s first matchup with Dallas—he recorded a triple-double in a February 25 home win—but it marked his emotional return to the city that had embraced him for five and a half seasons. “I know the fans are going to appreciate me being back here,” Doncic said before the game. “Honestly, I don’t know how I’m going to feel, but I’m just excited to be back.”